Bar Mexicana – Mexican
Bathed in the warm glow of amber lights and neon accents, Bar Mexicana pulses with a spirited energy where the rhythmic clatter of cocktail shakers signals the start of a vibrant evening. The air carries the smoky allure of charred chilies and slow-simmered meats, inviting guests to dive into hand-pressed tortillas overflowing with bold, zesty flavors that capture the sun-drenched essence of a modern cantina. It is a lively sanctuary where salt-rimmed glasses and shared plates bring people together for a sensory journey through the heart of Mexico.
127A, West 43rd Street, New York, NY, 10036 +1-917-914-7037 https://www.barmexicananyc.comRating: 4.6/5 (125 reviews)
Cuisine: Mexican
Price range: $
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, high-protein, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, pescatarian, plant-based, anti-inflammatory, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, high-fiber, renal, tlc, volumetrics, zone, soy-free
Diet fit at Bar Mexicana
Dairy-Free at Bar Mexicana
Bar Mexicana in New York has 2 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Chips & Salsa and Chips & Guacamole. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at Bar Mexicana
Bar Mexicana in New York has 1 gluten-free-tagged dish on its current menu, including Street Corn. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at Bar Mexicana
Bar Mexicana in New York has 15 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Camaron Taco, Kabocha Salad and Rajas Con Hongos Taco. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
High-Protein at Bar Mexicana
Bar Mexicana in New York has 7 high-protein-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Birria Taco, Camaron Taco and Carne Asada Taco. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at Bar Mexicana
Bar Mexicana in New York has 2 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Chips & Salsa and Chips & Guacamole. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegetarian at Bar Mexicana
Bar Mexicana in New York has 9 vegetarian-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Kabocha Salad, Rajas Con Hongos Taco and Calabacita Con Crema Taco. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Heart-Healthy at Bar Mexicana
Bar Mexicana in New York has 2 heart-healthy-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Calabacita Con Crema Taco and Flan. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Fat at Bar Mexicana
Bar Mexicana in New York has 4 low-fat-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Fajitas - Camaron, Rice and Pork Pozole. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at Bar Mexicana
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Birria Empanadas | 4.9 g | 51.8 g |
| Birria Taco | 3.8 g | 43.4 g |
| Enchiladas - Pollo | 5.4 g | 43.3 g |
| Fajitas - Pollo | 90.9 g | 43 g |
| Camaron Taco | 4.6 g | 42.4 g |
| Chef's Tower (Pick Any 3) | 54.5 g | 39.7 g |
| Empanada de Mai's | 9 g | 39.4 g |
| Burrito - Pollo | 0 g | 37.2 g |
| Pescado Taco | 4.4 g | 32.8 g |
| Sopa Azteca | 60.3 g | 31.7 g |
| Rajas Con Hongos Taco | 25.7 g | 30 g |
| Carne Asada Taco | 13.1 g | 24.7 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently closed
Hours
- Monday - Sunday
- 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM
What diners are saying
Diners are pleasantly surprised by this Times Square gem, praising its affordability and generous portions in the heart of Manhattan. Guests rave about the fresh, authentic flavors, highlighting standout dishes like the Birria Empanadas, Calabaza Crema tacos, and the "best ever" steak quesadillas. The atmosphere is described as vibrant and inviting, with attentive staff and a solid happy hour featuring well-made margaritas. While some noted minor maintenance issues with furniture, the overall experience is celebrated for its great value and delicious, comforting food perfect for a pre-theater
Menu
For the Table
Appetizers and shared plates
- Chips & Salsa - $8.5: House-made tortilla chips and salsa Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium
- Chips & Guacamole - $13: House-made tortilla chips and fresh guacamole Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Renal
- Street Corn - $6: Chipotle Mayo, Tajin, Cheese & Cilantro
- Chips & Queso - $9: House-made tortilla chips and melted cheese dip Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber
- Empanada de Mai's - $11: Chihuahua, Corn, Cheddar Cheese, Avocado Aioli & Pickled Onions
- Birria Empanadas - $13: Guajillo Braised Beef Short Rib & Oaxaca Cheese Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, TLC
- Cantina Nachos (Small) - $12: Guajillo Chili, Pico De Gallo, Cotija Cheese & Black Beans Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, TLC
- Cantina Nachos (Large) - $16: Guajillo Chili, Pico De Gallo, Cotija Cheese & Black Beans Dietary tags: Anti-Inflammatory, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics
- Sweet Potato Bun Sliders - Pollo Asada - $12: 3 Pieces. Pollo Asada, Coleslaw & Adobo Aioli
- Sweet Potato Bun Sliders - Beef - $12: 3 Pieces. Beef, Coleslaw & Pickles Dietary tags: Low-Sodium
Tacos
All Tacos Served with White Onion, Chopped Cilantro & Lime. Any 2 Tacos $14 | Any 3 Tacos $20
- Carne Asada Taco - $8: Grilled Marinated Steak Dietary tags: High-Protein
- Pollo Asada Taco - $7: Grilled Adobo Marinated Chicken
- Al Pastor Taco - $7.5: Charbroiled Marinated Pork & Pineapple Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC, Renal
- Pescado Taco - $7.5: Fried Baja Style Cod, Cole Slaw & Cilantro Dietary tags: High-Protein, Halal, Pescatarian
- Sweet Plantain Taco - $7: Queso Fresco & Pickled Onions Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Zone, Volumetrics
- Camaron Taco - $8.5: Chipotle Marinated Shrimp, Chipotle Aioli & Guacamole Dietary tags: High-Protein, Halal, Pescatarian
- Birria Taco - $8.5: Guajillo Braised Beef Short Rib & Oaxaca Cheese Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC
- Rajas Con Hongos Taco - $7.5: Poblano & Bell Peppers, Onions, Sweet Corn, Chihuahua Cheese, Portabello & Poblano Crema Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Calabacita Con Crema Taco - $7.5: Grilled Zucchini, Melted Cheese, Sweet Corn Cream & Pickled Onions Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC
Not Tacos
Fajitas, Quesadillas, Burritos, and Bowls
- Fajitas - Pollo - $21: Served with Red Rice, Black Beans, Chopped Cilantro and Lime Dietary tags: High-Fiber
- Fajitas - Carne - $23: Served with Red Rice, Black Beans, Chopped Cilantro and Lime Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC, Renal
- Fajitas - Camaron - $25: Served with Red Rice, Black Beans, Chopped Cilantro and Lime Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC, Renal
- Quesadilla - Cheese - $13: Served with Red Rice, Black Beans, Chopped Cilantro and Lime Dietary tags: Anti-Inflammatory
- Burrito - Pollo - $17: Served With Chips, Salsa & Lime Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Sodium
- Bowl - Plain - $14: Red Rice, Black Beans, Chopped Cilantro and Lime
- Enchiladas - Pollo - $17: Chihuahua Cheese, Queso Fresco, Onion & Avocado Dietary tags: High-Protein
Soups
Traditional Mexican soups
- Pork Pozole - $15: Hominy, Pork, Cilantro, Lime & Tostados Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC, Renal
- Sopa Azteca - $15: Chicken, Queso Fresco, Avocado, Crema, Tortilla Chips & Pasilla - Tomato Broth
Chef's Fall Favorites
Seasonal selections
- Kabocha Salad - $14: Baby Arugula, Grilled Corn, Radicchio, Queso Fresco, Pepitas, Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory
- Mexicana Caesar - $15: Grilled Romaine Hearts, Cherry Tomatoes, Ancho Chili-Croutons, Cotija Cheese, Chipotle Caesar Dressing
- Chef's Tower (Pick Any 3) - $22: Morita BBQ Wings, Queso Empanadas, Enchiladas, Dorados Queso, Chicken or Beef Sliders
Sides
Accompaniments
- Rice - $3.75: Mexican red rice Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC, Renal
- Sweet Plantain - $7: Fried sweet plantains Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Soy Free
- Black Beans - $3.75: Seasoned black beans Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
Postre
Desserts
- Churros - $8: Dulce De Leche Filled & Served With Chocolate Sauce Dietary tags: Halal
- Warm Chocolate Cake - $10: Maple Butter, Vanilla Ice Cream & Cinnamon Tortilla Chips Dietary tags: High-Protein, Halal
- Flan - $7: Perfectly Sweet & Creamy Caramel Custard Dietary tags: Halal, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC
Frequently Asked Questions about Bar Mexicana
- Where is this restaurant located?
- Bar Mexicana is a Times Square gem located in the heart of Manhattan, New York City.
- How can I contact this restaurant?
- You can contact Bar Mexicana by visiting their official website at https://www.barmexicananyc.com for more information regarding the restaurant.
- What makes this restaurant unique or special?
- Bar Mexicana is a budget-friendly Times Square gem unique for its generous portions, authentic flavors, and twenty-eight distinct dietary options.
- Is this restaurant good for casual dining or more upscale?
- Bar Mexicana offers casual dining with a budget-friendly ($) price level, vibrant cantina atmosphere, and affordable shared plates.
- What are the standout dishes based on the menu?
- Standout dishes include Birria Empanadas, Calabaza Crema tacos, and steak quesadillas, which guests highlight for their fresh and authentic flavors.
- What are the most popular dishes at this restaurant?
- Popular dishes include the Birria Empanadas, Calabaza Crema tacos, and steak quesadillas, which diners highlight for their authentic flavors.
- What is the overall customer sentiment about this restaurant?
- Customers share a highly positive sentiment with a 4.6/5 rating, praising the vibrant atmosphere, affordability, and fresh Birria Empanadas.
- Which dishes work for multiple diets at once (e.g., keto + gluten-free)?
- Chips & Salsa and Chips & Guacamole suit 10 diets including gluten-free and vegan, while Fajitas - Carne works for 8 diets.
- How many reviews does this restaurant have?
- Bar Mexicana has a total of 125 reviews from diners who have shared their experiences at this Times Square restaurant.
- Is this restaurant currently open and operational?
- Bar Mexicana is operational as indicated by its active website and recent customer reviews, though specific hours are not provided.
- Is Bar Mexicana dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. Bar Mexicana has 2 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Chips & Salsa and Chips & Guacamole.
- What can I eat at Bar Mexicana on a dairy-free diet?
- Chips & Salsa and Chips & Guacamole carry the dairy-free tag, out of 2 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does Bar Mexicana have vegan options?
- Yes. 2 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including Chips & Salsa and Chips & Guacamole.
- Is Bar Mexicana gluten-free?
- 1 dish is tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at Bar Mexicana?
- Birria Empanadas, at roughly 51.8g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
Restaurants near Bar Mexicana
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- Mad Dog & Beans Mexican Cantina — Mexican
- Mad Dog & Beans Mexican Cantina — Mexican
- Adobo Mexican Grill — Mexican
- La Esquina — Mexican
- Mas Tacos — Mexican
- Al Horno — Mexican
- Mamazul Mexican Grill — Mexican
- Burrito Box — Mexican
- Burrito Box — Mexican
- Latin American Restaurant — Mexican
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